Since Man United manager Alex Ferguson, 71, announced Wednesday that he's retiring after 26 seasons leading one of the world's most famous soccer teams, Moyes' name had been near or atop the list of those likely to replace him.

The Guardian notes that "Moyes leaves Everton having never won a trophy since taking over in 2002. But he stabilized the club and in more than a decade Everton finished outside the top 10 twice, qualified for the Champions League once, and reached an FA Cup final."

Ferguson, on Man United's website, says of Moyes that "there is no question he has all the qualities we expect of a manager at this club."